Angled plane support mechanisms and visual piece support extensions

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a mechanism for maintaining angled alignment of a presentation plane with respect to a support plane. The mechanism supportively attachable to a backside of the presentation planar surface. The mechanism comprises two legs or plates rotationally aligned and hinged together at their first ends with a first hinge to form a first axis of rotation. A second end of a first leg is, distal to the first hinge, similarly rotationally aligned and hinged together by a second hinge to the backside of the presentation plane or means for rigid attachment thereto to form a second axis of rotation with respect to the presentation plane, whereby the first and second axes of rotation are parallel. The present invention also comprises a system for extensions between a support surface and a visual display or between visual displays. The extensions are long enough to permit the viewer to separably distinguish the edge outlines of the visual displays, exemplified by a small picture being connected at its back to one end of an extension wire and the other end attached to the back and side edge of a table-top supported picture frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for maintaining a firstplane away and supported from a second plane for presentation ofinformation to a viewer. The present invention also relates to deviceswith support for one or more visual display means.

[0002] It is well known that planar surfaces for support andpresentation of pictures, charts, instruction sheets, advertising,printed or flat digital screen displays and the like typically requiremechanism to maintain a presentation orientation in a first plane towarda viewer with angled support from a non-parallel plane, a second planesuch as a table or floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is a mechanism for maintaining angledalignment of a presentation plane with respect to a support plane. Themechanism supportively attachable to a backside of the presentationplanar surface. The mechanism comprises two legs or plates rotationallyaligned and hinged together at their first ends with a first hinge toform a first axis of rotation. A second end of a first leg is, distal tothe first hinge, similarly rotationally aligned and hinged together by asecond hinge to the backside of the presentation plane or means forrigid attachment thereto to form a second axis of rotation with respectto the presentation plane, whereby the first and second axes of rotationare parallel. The second end of the second leg is adapted to havereleaseably securable means to the backside of the presentation plane ormeans for rigid attachment thereto, thereby providing a hingedlyadaptable and angularly changeable first leg surface exterior, thesupport surface for engagement with the support plane, to the triangleformed by the two legs and the backside of the presentation surface. Therelative lengths of the legs and/or distance of the attachment of thereleaseably securable means to the backside of the presentation planefrom the second hinge control the angle of the support surface relativeto the presentation plane, it being understood that the support surfaceis intended to engage or be attached to a substantially parallel supportplane so that a front side of the presentation plane is maintained at anangled relationship to the support plane.

[0004] The present invention also comprises novel devices for use of thepresentation in combination with the above mechanism. The mechanism isespecially useful for securing to an outside forward edge of a computermonitor picture frames holding pictures, commercial displays orinformation. The support surface is adapted to planar forms forapplication of adhesive or slotted attachment to a non-horizontalsurface such as the side of computer monitor. The wide range of computermonitor styles means that a non-angular adjustable attachment of apicture frame to the outside edges of such monitors will inevitablyresult in a skewed presentation for the viewer. The present inventiontherefore also includes using the mechanism for attachment of lateralarms to the side of the computer monitor or other substantially verticalsurfaces for hanging several sheets of paper for easy viewing by thecomputer user.

[0005] The present invention also comprises a system for extensionsbetween a support surface and a visual display or between visualdisplays. The extensions are long enough to permit the viewer toseparably distinguish the edge outlines of the visual displays,exemplified by a small picture being connected at its back to one end ofan extension wire and the other end attached to the back and side edgeof a table-top supported picture frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIGS. 1 and 2 are rear perspective and rear views of one form ofthe invention mechanism attached to a picture frame and supporting thatpicture frame on a tabletop.

[0007]FIG. 3 is a top and rear view of the invention mechanism collapsedagainst the backside of a presentation plane, in this case a pictureframe with the frame extended to a rectangular shape.

[0008]FIGS. 4 and 21 are a top and rear views of the invention mechanismopened at full length and attached to a presentation plane forsupporting a picture.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a top view of the detached picture frame attachable to apresentation plane of FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a top view of the detached picture attachable to apresentation plane of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 6A is a top view of the detached picture frame back pieceattachable to a presentation plane of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIGS. 7 and 8 are top views of specific aspects of the inventionmechanism securingly engageable to a backside of a presentation plane.

[0013]FIG. 9 is a frontal, presentation plane view of FIG. 7.

[0014]FIG. 10 is an end view of the device attachable to a backside of apresentation plane.

[0015]FIG. 11 is a side view of the end portion of a second leg of theinvention mechanism.

[0016] FIGS. 12-17 are schematic side views of the invention mechanism.

[0017]FIGS. 18 and 19 are disengaged top and side views of an alternateembodiment of the means of adjustably engaging a free end of a secondleg to the backside of a presentation plane.

[0018]FIG. 20 is an engaged side view of an alternate embodiment of themeans of adjustably engaging a free end of a second leg to the backsideof a presentation plane as in FIG. 19.

[0019]FIGS. 22 and 29 are substantially the view of FIG. 21 except forlateral extensions of the first leg of the invention mechanism.

[0020] FIGS. 23-25 are substantially the embodiment of FIG. 21 of theinvention mechanism attached to a computer monitor.

[0021]FIG. 26 is substantially the embodiment of FIG. 21 except withalternate means of adjustably engaging the free end of the second leg ofthe invention to the backside of a presentation plane and hingeableconnection of a picture frame to a free edge of the presentation plane,thereby forming a single moldable piece.

[0022]FIG. 27 is a side view of the end portion of the second leg of theinvention mechanism.

[0023]FIG. 28 is section AA of FIG. 26.

[0024]FIG. 29 is a top view of the device of FIG. 21 having stabilizingextensions from a first leg.

[0025]FIG. 30 is a top view of the device of FIG. 21 having asubstantially different free end of the second leg for engagement to thebackside of the presentation plane.

[0026]FIG. 31 is a partial perspective of the device of FIG. 30 wherethe free end of the second leg is lockingly engaged to the backside ofthe presentation plane.

[0027]FIG. 32 is a section BB of FIG. 30 for the device as shown in FIG.31.

[0028] FIGS. 33-37 comprise a locking means similar to that of FIGS.30-32.

[0029]FIG. 38 is a back view of the invention mechanism of FIG. 29 asattached to the presentation plane and picture frame of FIG. 1, thepresentation frame and picture frame edge being adapted with hollow andslotted receptors to receive removable connectors to extension pieceswhich extend with rigid support to two or more picture frames havingsimilar receptors on their presentation plane backs or picture frameedges.

[0030]FIGS. 39 and 40 are bottom and side views of the extension piecesof FIG. 38.

[0031]FIGS. 41 and 42 are views of sections I and II in FIG. 38.

[0032]FIG. 43 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the plugs ofFIGS. 39 and 40.

[0033]FIG. 44 shows a side view of the plug of FIG. 43 engaged in areceptor to form an invention connection.

[0034]FIG. 44a is a side view of an alternate embodiment for stackingplug connections.

[0035]FIG. 45 shows an alternate embodiment for an extension wire in areceptor.

[0036]FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a receptor for the plug shownin FIG. 48.

[0037]FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the plugs of FIGS. 39 and 40, ofwhich FIG. 48 is an alternate embodiment.

[0038] FIGS. 49 to 51 are diagrams of extension directions fromrespectively a square cornered surface, a round cornered surface and anon-edge surface.

[0039]FIGS. 53 and 54 are front and side diagrammatic views of theinvention connection and visual displays.

[0040]FIG. 55 is a front view of representative diagrams of twodisplay/connection assemblies supported by an extension.

[0041] FIGS. 56 to 60 are alternate side views of the diagram of FIG.55.

[0042]FIG. 61 is a front view of a support surface and sixextension-supported display/connection assemblies supported from it.

[0043] FIGS. 62 to 66 are generalized and representative visual displaysfor the invention.

[0044]FIG. 67 is a bottom view of a novel friction fit polymer maleconnector.

[0045]FIG. 68 is a top view of the female part of the connector of FIG.67

[0046]FIG. 69 is section EE of FIG. 67 and a corresponding cut away sideview of the piece of FIG. 68.

[0047]FIG. 70 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the angledplane support where the portion 101 is extended to form an openingthrough which the invention mechanism operates.

[0048]FIGS. 71, 72 and 73 are respectively section FF views of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 70 shown in an extended open position, apresentation plane support position and a fully collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention is now discussed with reference to theFigures.

[0050] Assembly 1 shows a picture frame 2 defining an opening 6 for apicture 10 to be removably supported for presentation therethrough.Frame 2 comprises a backside rim 5 having a slight overhang toward thebackside surface such that planar sections 3 and 4 snap fit beneath theoverhangs of rim 5 and thereby securing the picture 6 appropriately forpresentation in opening 6 outlined with inside surface 9. Section 4 isabout 3 inches square. Frame 2 may be shortened by distance 8 therebymaking the frame substantially square without altering plane 4, savingtooling costs for a separately molded piece.

[0051] The invention mechanism 100 is shown in FIG. 1 supporting theframe 2 through attachment to planar section 4. Mechanism 100 may beadhesively or slot and key releaseably attachable to a presentationplane as formed by frame 2 and section 4, although in the specificexample of FIGS. 1-11 section 4 is integrally injection molded tomechanism 100 in a continuous single piece such that the inventionmechanism combined into a picture frame comprises only two (for a squareframe) or three pieces (for the rectangular frame as shown in FIGS.1-11.

[0052] Mechanism 100 comprises a first leg 101 and second leg 102connected at their first ends with a first living hinge 104. Thiscombination forms a first axis of rotation about hinge 104. The livinghinge 104 permits free rotation such that legs 101 and 102 may bepressed together to their opposing sides. Leg 101 is attached at asecond end distal to hinge 103 to a section 108 by a second living hinge103. Section 108 is adapted to connect in such a fashion with plane 104so that hinge 103 is parallel with and very close to the backside ofsection 4, preferably near or at an outer edge of section 4, therebyplacing in rigid rotatable connection legs 101 and 102.

[0053] Leg 102 has at its second end distal to hinge 104 a portion ofreleasable securing means allowing easy adjustment of the angle of thefirst leg 101 to the supported section 4 and frame 2. In this specificexample, such means comprise a lugged end 105 with lugs 105A. At alocation providing close parallel attachment to the backside of section4 is the complementary portion of the releasable securing means thatextends substantially normal to the second axis of rotation, thecomplementary portion comprising two slotted tracks and a notched stripbetween them. Insertion of lugs 105A (located as lateral extensions ofend 105) into open ends 111 of tracks 107 and pressing in a downwardmotion of direction 109 causes the lugs 105A to remain within the slotsof tracks 107, whereby the height of the tops of the notches of strip106 are just high enough to encounter and abrade the end edge of end 105so that where a user stops pressure, the end 105 adjustable engagementto a backside of a presentation plane (albeit through the other aspectsof the invention disclosed herein) is adapted to maintain securely thetriangular support thereby formed by legs 101 and 102 and plane 4 towhich the support is transferred by attachment to the mechanism. Slots107′ may be seen in FIG. 9 resulting from the cored mold used to obtainand form tracks 107.

[0054] It is intended that the side of leg 101 exterior to thetriangular support formed by legs 101 and 102 and section 4 be thesupport surface which will by gravity, adhesion, slottable attachment,bracket, screw, weld, magnetic, Velcro®, track support means or othersuch means adapted to engage in a substantially parallel manner asupport plane such as a table, a wall, a computer monitor or other suchvertical, horizontal or acute or obtuse angles of a support planewhereupon a need for adjustable attachment may be needed. It is clearfrom FIGS. 1 and 2 that the support surface rests on a table top, thesupport plane. It can be well appreciated with this disclosure that thesupport surface may be supplied attachment means, releaseable,removeable or permanent, for attaching the support surface to a supportplane, say, with an adhesive strip with which the entire assembly 1 canbe mounted on an oddly angled support plane such as the forward portionof the left or right sides, forward portions of the top or bottom sidesor front surface of a computer monitor such that a presentation plane issupport for viewing by a computer monitor user.

[0055] While the specific embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 are an especiallypreferred form of the invention mechanism for picture frames, theinvention mechanism is much broader in application that such a specificdesign. FIGS. 12-17 show a side schematic view of the effect of varyingthe relative lengths of the legs 101 and 102 on the range of finalangles between the outside of the leg 101, i.e., the support surface,and the presentation plane. As understood from the foregoing discussion,the presentation plane of an assembly 1 will in general lie close to,normal to the page and parallel to aspect 109/4 in FIGS. 13, 15 and 17.Releaseable securing means 105-107, as a concept indicated thereby asmeans for easily and releaseably moving the non-hinged end of leg 102along path 109 with the combined action of the end 105, strip 106 andtracks 107, are manipulated by the user so that a range of supportsurface to presentation plane angles are available from the relativelengths of legs 101 and 102. For example, legs 101 and 102 in FIGS. 12and 13 are of equal length. FIGS. 12, 14 and 16 show the schematic ofthe invention mechanism is a collapsed state generally corresponding tothe view in FIG. 3 of assembly 1. FIGS. 13, 15 and 17 show the schematicof the invention mechanism is an opened state generally corresponding tothe view in FIGS. 1 and 2 of assembly 1. FIGS. 14 and 15 show leg 101being comparatively much shorter than leg 102, which results in a shortpath 109 and the relative angles shown. FIGS. 16 and 17 show leg 101being comparatively much longer than leg 102, which results in a shortpath 109 and the relative angles shown. A preferable relative lengths oflegs 101 to 102 is roughly equal, as the range of available supportplane to presentation plane angles being greater. However, the moreextreme angles shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 may only be obtainable by usingsuch relative lengths as shown therein.

[0056] An alternate embodiment of the releaseable securing means areshown in FIGS. 18-20. Legs 101 and 102 are substantially similar to legs101′ and 102′ respectively, although the end 105′ is substantiallydifferent than end 105. End 105 cooperated with tracks 107 and strip 106to effectively engage the non-hinged end of a second leg to thepresentation plane. The embodiment of FIGS. 18-20 accomplishes thefunction of effectively engaging the non-hinged end of a second leg tothe presentation plane of page holder 200. In this case, end 105′comprises and edge 105A′ having a slight lip which engages the widths ofthe slight hooked notches 106′. To effect the releaseable securement ofthe above means, living hinges 103′ and 104′ comprise sufficientlythickened and elastic plastic connection such that in the edge 105A′into latchable connection with notches 106′, as in the action to movefrom the position in FIGS. 18 and 19 to the position of FIG. 20, theliving hinges are stretched into elastic resistance such that the lip ofedge 105A is retained in the slight overhang of notches 106′. Themultiplicity of notches permits the user to select from a range ofangles as between the presentation plane and the support plane. Thedisclosure of FIGS. 18-20 enables a broad range of equivalents as toreleaseable and securing means to effectively connect the non-hinged endof the second leg to the backside of the presention plane.

[0057] In FIG. 18 is shown a top view of a portion of a lateral supportarm which extends in the direction of edge 201 for from about 3 to 12inches, further comprising oval notches 200 on both longitudinal edgesof the support. When the support surface of leg 101′ further comprisesadequate attachment means for the next described function, such as astrong adhesive, the support surface is mounted on the left or rightforward sides of a computer monitor, preferably toward either of theupper corners of the monitor so that the triangular support angleadjustability of the invention mechanism will permit the user to secureat a desireable and viewable lateral and horizontal angle the arm 200with notches 202. A peg extension from a clipboard or simple paper orother clips allow the user to hang papers from the arm 200 such thatthey may be viewed while typing at the computer keyboard. Prior artdevices have not provided the ease of angle adjusting capability of thepresent invention. Notches 202 are an especially novel engagement meansfor gravity hung sheets or other viewable surfaces, i.e., the ovalportion of the notch permits a sheet attached to a pegged clip to hangsubstantially exactly vertical. A supporting peg on a clip is adapted tobe slightly smaller in diameter than the lateral oval distance allowingrotation of the peg in the notch 202, thereby permitting the viewablesheet to hang vertically instead of being potentially misaligned with aclip or attachment means that more rigidly fixes the sheet to the arm200. Thus, single or multiple viewable sheets are portable to othercomputer monitors similarly equipped with the arm 200. It is analternate embodiment of the invention to provide means between arm 200and notches 106′, i.e., in about the zone 203, disengageable meanscomprising an appropriately supportable slot and end-expanded pegengageable in the supportable slot such that the arm 200 may be easilydisengaged from the portion bearing notches 106′, thereby allowing theuser to remove the arm 200 and replace it with a picture frame or otheruseful device therein as may benefit from the adjustability of apresentation plane as disclosed herein. Notches 202 are to be found onboth lateral edges of arm 200, preferably directly opposite one anothersuch that the identical peg hanging function may be obtained ininstalling the arm on the upper right or upper left corners of acomputer monitor.

[0058] FIGS. 22 to 25 disclose an alternate embodiment for the supportsurface legs. The above mechanism on section 4, a presentation plane, isshown in FIG. 21. Additional legs 115 and 116 are shown attached to leg101 at living hinges 117 and 118 respectively. Either or both of legs115 and 116 may be used for these embodiments, as FIGS. 23 to 25 showonly the use of one such extra leg. The mechanism 100 is shown as in theprevious examples and operates substantially as described above.However, a top left and front and top right and front corners ofcomputer monitor 300 are shown having attached thereto by adhesivepolymer foam pads 121, 122, and 128 the appropriate legs 116,101 or 115.Leg 101 is attached as it would be without the legs 115 or 116, althoughin FIGS. 23-25 one of legs 115 or 116 are folded to an appropriate anglewith respect to leg 101 so that a very sturdy angled attachment is madeto almost any square, rounded or oddly shaped corner.

[0059] In FIGS. 23-25, section 4 is shown on its front face without thepicture frame of the previous examples, although it is understood that apicture in a frame or other information display (including a flatdigital screen, albeit one weighing less than 8-16 ounces) is preferablyheld is a desireable presentation plane by adjustment of the inventionmechanism. In FIG. 23, leg 116 is folded in direction 127 to contact andadhere to the top of monitor 300 via pad 121 at interface 123, the pad121 adhering to support surface side 126 of leg 116 and pad 122 adheringto the support surface side of leg 101. It is intended that section 4 asshown in FIG. 23 may extend to the left, upward, downward or generallyextend therefrom radially to form shapes of commercial or personalimportance or may simply increase to expand the size of a picture framefor a larger picture. It is intended that the attachment means for thesupport surface of leg 101 in FIG. 23 be adapted such that the assembly1 be capable of being adhered to a top and substantially horizontalsupport plane (as along the top of monitor 300) or capable of beingadhered to the underside of a substantially horizontal support plane (asthe underside of a table edge). The invention mechanism permits thepresentation plane to be easily and securingly moved to a collapsedposition while maintaining the adhesion to the support plane, therebypermitting the user to virtually eliminate view of the presentationplane. In a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 3, the assembly 1 ofFIG. 23 would present the viewer of a front of monitor 300 with only anedge view of the picture frame. Similarly, the user of arm 200 candisengage edge 105A′ from notch 106′ and fold the arm to the side of acomputer monitor and avoid the view of the extending arm or just move itout of the way for other things.

[0060] The present invention includes attachment of more than one of theinvention mechanisms along the back of a presentation plane to expandthe size of such a presentation plane.

[0061] The above disclosures of the invention mechanism instruct theskilled person that the range of mechanisms disclosed may be effectivelyengaged with any of the many backsides of presentation planes useful forviewing in relation to a support plane with the ease of angularadjustment disclosed herein. Such presentation planes include at leastdigital clocks, 4-6 feet tall flip charts, large or small foam coreboard supports and the like. Support planes include horizontal throughthe angular range to vertical surfaces, including support tracks such asare disclosed support of picture frames and other small articles, as isadequately disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,792, which is incorporatedherein.

[0062] Presentation planes as used herein may also comprise typicallynon-viewable and/or weight bearing surfaces angled relative to a supportplane, such as back rests for seated persons, cellular phone or camerasupports, wind break supports or other such devices sustainingsignificant pressure on the presentation plane to maintain the relativeangle with a support plane. It is within skill in the art with thisdescription to adapt the disclosed means for adjustably engaging an endof second leg with a backside of a presentation plane to sustain suchforce.

[0063] It is another embodiment of the present invention that thesupport surface be extended integral with a generally cylindrical pieceabout the size of a cup adapted to be seated in a drink holder for theautomotive market. The cylindrical piece thereby permits securing of thesupport surface in a location easily accessible to a motor vehicleoperator, i.e., to view information in a picture frame or to view orremoveably mount a cellular phone or other digital electronic device.

[0064] Two alternate embodiments are shown in FIGS. 26-28. Picture frame2 is engaged to a free edge of presentation plane 4 by a hingeableconnection 152, preferably a living hinge, such that it is foldable intothe plane of the page to thereafter releaseably engage the front of thepresentation plane to secure therebetween a picture. This embodimentdemonstrates that the invention mechanism, the presentation plane and asecuring picture frame may be molded in one operation as a continuouspiece, not merely integral but very inexpensively made. In FIG. 26,alternate means are shown for end portion 105, whereby a rigidconnection is made to a ball extending from that end. The ball frictionfits within channel 151 engageable to the backside of presentation plane4 and slideable therein similar to the means disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0065]FIG. 29 discloses yet another embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 15, it is within the invention means to provide a shortleg 101. For horizontal support planes, such a short support surface asin FIG. 29 would create a potential stability problem. FIG. 29 disclosesthat either or both of extensions 154 or 155 from leg portion 153 willadequately provide support for the embodiment of FIG. 29 for such ahorizontal support plane. In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, the outside(say top or bottom in relation to the FIG. 29 presentation) edge ofextensions 154 and 155 provide a relatively non-adjustable support forthe presentation plane when the presentation plane edge adjacent to thehinge 103 is placed on the support plane.

[0066] FIGS. 30-32 describe an alternate means for securing into one ofa plurality of connection locations the second leg to the backside of apresentation plane 4 whereby a substantial releaseable locking means areprovided to improve connection resistance to release. The means 130comprise a free end of leg 102 adapted to have a living hinge 133continuously molded to a rotating end 131 having an edge extension 138adapted to matingly lie within the notches 106, especially shown inFIGS. 30-32 as notch 135. FIGS. 31 and 32 show partial views of thedevice of FIG. 30 such that a secure and adjustable connection is madebetween the free end of leg 102 and the backside of the presentationplane 4. Extension 138 is pressed into notch 135 by action of theopposing pressure of lugs 105A against the overhang surfaces of tracks107, as shown in FIG. 31. The releaseable aspect of the embodiment isprovided by the rotation of end 131 about an axis formed by the livinghinge 133 such that extension 138 rotates into or out of notch 135,thereby respectively being locked into or being released from engagementwith notch 135. Rotation is made by hand motion of tab 132 in direction139 for releasing the extension 138 from notch 135. Tab 132 is shown inFIG. 30 and in broken lines in FIG. 32 in position 140 after being movedthrough path 139. The fully extended position of tab 132 as in FIG. 30demonstrates that the entire device of FIG. 30 may be molded as a singleand continuous piece, achieving several invention functions whileobtaining a reduced manufacturing cost by single shot molding.

[0067] FIGS. 33-37, similar to FIGS. 30-32 for means 130, describe analternate means for securing into one of a plurality of connectionlocations the second leg to the backside of a presentation plane 4whereby a substantial releaseable locking means 150 are provided toimprove connection resistance to release. The means 150 comprise a freeend of leg 102 adapted to have a living hinge 156 continuously molded tothe free lateral edge of end 105 as in FIG. 1 that has lugs 105A andedge extension 151. FIG. 33 is a partial bottom view of the leg 102 asshown in FIG. 30. Edge extension 151 is adapted to matingly lie withinthe notches 106, especially shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 as notch 135. FIG.34 is section CC of FIG. 33 and is shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 with thesection BB of FIG. 30 in an engagement and disengagement moderespectively. FIG. 35 is an end veiw 157 of FIG. 33. Means 150 comprisethe tab 152 that, like tab 132 of FIGS. 30-32, is rotatable about aliving hinge 156. Tab 156 comprises latch engaging holes 153, that areadapted to permit latches 155 to pass therethrough and latch tab 152into the angled relationship shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, fixing it in theangled relationship. Latches 155 are mounted to a top edge of fulcrum154. Fulcrum 154 is a piece raised from the surface of leg 102, whichforms a critical means for making it easy to release edge extension 151from notch 135. FIG. 36 shows that tab 152 is rotated back as in FIG. 32along the similar path 139 and the latches 155 are secured in holes 153.In this position, the cooperative action of the engagement of lugs 105Ainto the extensions of tracks 107 forces edge extension into notch 135such that it is difficult or impossible to move to an adjacent notchwith severely damaging the device, thereby providing a very stronglocking mechanism as in FIGS. 30-32 and forming a device that may beeasily cast in a single mold shot. The releaseable aspect of theembodiment is shown in FIG. 37 such that finger or light pressure indirection 158 forms a see-saw lever action where the top edge of fulcrum154 is the fulcrum and the free end of tab 152 is the end on whichpressure is applied and released. The pressure in direction 158 therebycauses the hinged end of tab 152, at living hinge 156, to pull upward onthe end 105 attached at hinge 156, thereby pulling upward the edgeextension 151 out of notch 135. The lugs 105A in FIG. 37 remain engagedin tracks 107 while edge extension 151 is lifted out of notch 135,releasing the locking engagement of means 150 so that the end 105 can bemoved along notches 106 for an alternate locking location or removal atopening 111. Release of pressure at direction 158 causes the edgeextension 151 to be pressed into whatever notch it lies above at thetime of release, reforming the locking position as in FIG. 36.

[0068] An alternate picture frame or presentation plane concept is nowdescribed. It is desirable to have a dramatic viewer presentation of apresentation plane as with a picture frame. The visual effect of thepicture or presentation material is chosen by the viewer or presenter tobe effective, although the viewer or user sometimes chooses presentationplane enhancements (i.e., decorated picture frames) to improve theoverall effect. The embodiment of FIGS. 38-42 comprise a dramatic effectof retrofitting or original attachable pieces comprising additionalpresentation planes or extensions extending to additional presentationplanes.

[0069]FIG. 38 shows one embodiment of the invention extension assembly500 with a presentation plane with support plane support, where the backof the presentation plane 4 is adapted to have multiple receptors 517fixedly connectable to extensions comprising plugs 515 and 516 withextension supports 512 and 513 that connect presentation planeassemblies 501 and 508 to the plane 4 by locating on the presentationplanes 503 and 510. Multiple receptors 504 and 511 are similar inconstruction to receptors 517 for receiving plugs 515 and 516. Receptors504, 511 and 507 are hollow straight wall or tapered cylinders withwalls 506 and slots 507 adapted to receive the plug end 516 and locateextension support 512 in slot 507, thereby preventing rotation of theextension relative to the receptor.

[0070] Plugs 515 and 516 have a “lift out” and “press in” part 514 and aplug part 514 a. Part 514 is adapted for the convenience of a userpressing into and pulling out of part 514 a from an appropriate cavityin the receptors. Plugs 515 and 516 may be formed from a molded polymeraround a supportive but hand-pressure malleably metal wire or continuouswith a hand-pressure malleable polymer. This construction allows theuser to manipulate the assemblies 501 and 508 into a variety oflocations relative to plane 4. In one preferred embodiment, supportextensions 512 and 513 are wire similar to that of standard paper clipsand are easily manipulable so that assemblies 501 and 508 can be bentforward into, back out of, sideways with and/or rotated out of the planeof the page of the Figures leaving plane 4 undisturbed.

[0071] Assemblies 501 and 508 are heart and star shapes supported aboutthe periphery of frame 5 for a very dramatic presentation. Theconstruction of the receptors 504 and 511 then permit further extensionsand presentation plane assemblies to be added to extend from theperiphery of assemblies 501 and 508 and/or interconnect those pieces fordecorative and supportive functions. The periphery zones 505 and 518 areshown such that they are adapted to have attachment means for otherpresentation planes to extend from the periphery of the presentationplane so that an additional presentation plane can be shown therefrom.Assemblies 501 and 508 have picture frames 502 and 509 similar inconstruction and function to frame 5 relative to a presentation plane 4.It is thereby disclosed that the extensions are preferable, although notrequired for an invention benefit, i.e., a piece of two-sided adhesivetape applied to a front side of assembly 508 in zone 505 may be attachedthereby to the zone 518, thereby attaching another presentation planesuch that it extends to the periphery of the plane 4.

[0072] The above description informs the skilled person that a supportplane defines a visually definable edge (for a surface that terminates,like the edge of a picture frame or computer monitor) or surface (for asurface that doesn't terminate like a desktop or refrigerator doorfront) from which it would be attractive, useful or valuable in drawingattention to a visual display.

[0073] The visual displays of the present invention are now discussedwith reference to FIGS. 62-66, which display some of the many forms ofuseful visual displays integratable into the invention system ofextensions from a support surface. Small visual displays are preferableas the consequential weight reduction reduces support requirements fromextensions 512 and 513 and their intervening connection with the visualdisplays and the support surfaces. However, larger visual displays maybe accommodated to the present system at the cost of improving suchsupport requirements. In one embodiment of the invention system, thevisual display at the front side of assemblies 501 and 508 appearssimilarly to the framed picture 548 in FIG. 62. In another embodiment ofthe invention system, the visual display at the front side of assemblies501 and 508 appears similarly to the unframed picture in FIG. 63. Inanother embodiment of the invention system, the visual display at thefront side of assemblies 501 and 508 appears similarly to therepresentation 550 in FIG. 64 where graphic or text is integrated withthe outline shape (i.e., in FIG. 550, a “happy star”). In anotherembodiment of the invention system, the visual display at the front sideof assemblies 501 and 508 appears similar to the representation 551 FIG.65 where text, stylized or otherwise, extends substantially to theassembly outline. FIG. 66 is another example of a representation 552integral with the assembly outline, as in FIG. 62. The assemblies 501and 508 are representative of invention visual displays, not mereconnectors between extensions 512 and 513. The invention visual displayeither covers or integrates the intervening extension to visual displayconnection into a display that has contextual meaning to a human viewer.The invention visual displays comprise geometric shapes in flat, basrelief or raised form, or fully three dimensional form. The inventionvisual displays comprise commercial logos, text or designs (such asApple Corp.'s “apple” design) in flat, bas relief or raised form, orfully three dimensional form. The invention visual displays compriseoutlines of readily recognizable forms such as the heart and star ofFIGS. 41 and 42, flower of FIG. 66, a computer monitor, car, Statue ofLiberty, cartoon characters, and the like in flat, bas relief or raisedform, or fully three dimensional form.

[0074] The invention visual displays comprise a location or locations ona front, edge or back surface for connection with the inventionextensions. Such a location or locations may be at the points of a starshape as in FIG. 42 or at other locations as on the heart shape as inFIG. 41. It is possible that the extensions and connection means areintegrated into a visual display on its front, viewable surface, such asin the position of a nose of a face formed on the front, viewablesurface for the plug type connections of FIGS. 38-42, where theextensions 512 and 513 may form lateral extensions therefrom to indicatethe presence of a mustache on the face.

[0075] The present invention is now discussed with reference to theintervening connections between the extensions and the visual displays.FIGS. 43-48 show some detail and additional embodiments of the plug typeconnections of FIGS. 38-42. FIG. 47 is a magnified drawing of the plug515 or 516 of FIGS. 39 and 40, where an extension 512 or 513 is moldedor retained in the plug part 514 a and a wider top part 514 is providedfor finger manipulation of the plug part 514 a into and out ofconnection with receptor 506. Slot 507 receives the extension 512 or 513when plug 514 a is securely fitted into receptor 506's hole defined byside wall 506 a as in FIG. 45, and extends therefrom as section 528 inFIG. 45, such that the extension is manipulable in directions 529 as inFIG. 45.

[0076] In an alternate embodiment of the plug type connection, FIGS. 43and 44 show plug 519 with a slot 522 through a plug part 521 and a toppart 520. The secured invention connection of the combination of plug519 with receptor 506 is shown in side view in FIG. 44, where slots 507and 522 are aligned so that an extension may be passed partly orcompletely therethrough for support connection. FIG. 44 also shows avery important aspect of the invention connection, layer 524 betweensurface 523 and the bottom side of receptor 506. Layer 524 representsthe several ways that receptor 506 may be attached to surface 523, whichsurface 523 represents an attachment location on a visual display or ona support surface. Layer 524 may be a continuous molded connectionbetween the material of surface 523 and the material of receptor 506 ormay be an adhesive, hook and loop or otherwise intervening connectivelayer where an end user may decide where on surface 523 the user wantsto form the attachment location.

[0077] It is apparent from the above discussion that the plug typeembodiments are intended to permit the user to connect or disconnect theinvention connection between the extensions and the support surface orvisual display. Such connection and disconnection is functionallyachievable with hook and loop parts respectively replacing the receptorand plug parts of the plug type embodiment. Other such removable andsecurable embodiments include ball and socket connections, slot and slotfilling insert connections, snap fit cavity and cavity filling piececonnections, screw and screw hole connections and other suchembodiments. As an example, a kit including a visual displaynon-removably fixed to an extension wire and including material such asRoss' Tac'n'Stik or other such malleable and removably adhesive claytexture tack material is within the scope of the invention, where theuser can stick the tack material to the back of a picture frame andinsert the free end of the extension wire into the tack material,thereby raising the visual display above or laterally to the side of thepicture frame so that it enhances the overall effect of the pictureframe.

[0078] Alternately, the invention connections can be of a type thateffectively prevents the user from connecting or disconnecting theinvention extensions. Such embodiments include making the extensionnon-removably fixed on at least one end to one of either a supportsurface or visual display.

[0079] Invention plugs may have extensions 512 or 513 extend from theplug part 514 a as in FIG. 47 or from the top 514 as in FIG. 48. Plugpart 514 a may be tapered and adapted to friction fit into a similarlyreverse tapered hole 535 of a receptor 534 as in FIG. 46.

[0080] The attachment locations of the present invention can be adaptedto support multiple extensions. Alternate embodiments of an extensionfor use with receptor 506 are shown in FIG. 45. Extension section 525may be short and bent in direction 526 or formed into loop 527 (brokenlines) to form part of the secure connection of the extension section528 after a plug 519 is fitted to receptor 506. Alternately, extensionsection 525 may extend to another attachment location on another visualdisplay which extension section 528 similarly extends thereto. Otherslots 507 may be made in wall 506 a so that the extension may be rotatedwith respect to the receptor 506 or other extension sections may extendtherefrom to other attachment locations on other visual displays. InFIG. 44a, plugs 515 are adapted with layer 524 (similar in function tothe layer 524 of FIG. 44) so that a receptor 506 can be attached to top514, providing for a stacked and connected arrangement in direction 515b of two or more plugs 515 a thereby supporting two or more extensions512 or 513.

[0081] The invention system is now discussed with reference to thediagram drawings of FIGS. 49 to 61 to demonstrate the dramaticvariability of the invention system of visual displays. FIGS. 49, 50 and51 respectively show defined edge support surface 531 with a sharpcorner, defined edge support surface 531 with a rounded corner, and flatsupport surface 536. FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 respectively show inventionextensions radiating to directions 533, 535 537 from connections 532.Connection 532 is shown in the Figures with two or more smallerrectangles, where each rectangle represents an individual connection ofan extension to a surface, such as to a support surface or visualdisplay. The connections may be spaced apart as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42or in one attachment location as in FIGS. 44a, 45 or 48. FIG. 52 showsthat a surface 538 may accommodate a backside connection 532 whereorientations 539-542 may be obtained for an extension from thatconnection. FIGS. 53 and 54 show a front and side view of a diagrammaticconnection 532, having individual connections 543 and 544, connected atinterface 547 to visual display 546 with a broken line exemplaryoutline.

[0082] FIGS. 55 to 60 show several orientations of connection 532a/display 546 a supported together with connection 532 b/display 546 bthrough the connection 544 a to extension 513 a to connection 543 b. Itis an alternate embodiment of these assemblies that one of eitherdisplay 546 a or 546 b be a support surface.

[0083]FIG. 55 shows displays 546 a and 546 b with broken outlinesindicating that the connections may be on either the front or back sidesof the visual displays. FIG. 55 shows display 546 a as viewed by aviewer of those visual displays. FIGS. 55 to 60 show side views of FIG.55 indicating that the visual displays may be (as in FIG. 56) but neednot be in the same plane (as in FIGS. 57-60). FIG. 60 shows display 546b rotated out of the plane of Figure display 546 a.

[0084]FIG. 61 shows a support surface 4 (as in FIG. 49) havingextensions 513 a and 513 d supported from connection 517. Thoseextensions respectively support displays 546 a and 546 d at theirindicated connections. The overall effect of all the extensions 513 a-iand displays 546 a-f of FIG. 61 is of a series of steps, demonstratinganother embodiment of the invention, that the overall arrangement of thevisual displays may form a visually impactive pattern. Extensions 513 hand 513 i both support displays 546 b and 546 e at their respectiveconnections, demonstrating that more than one extension may be connectedbetween visual displays. FIG. 61 is shown in only a front view as wouldbe seen by a viewer, although the side view could be permutated in theseveral forms shown in FIGS. 56-60 for each of the inter-displayorientations.

[0085] A novel friction fit polymer connector is now discussed withreference to FIGS. 67-69. The extensions of the above description havebeen shown to be dramatically improved in user ease of removing andreplacing the connector with this embodiment. The user is mostaccommodated with a connector that simply pushes in and pulls outwithout difficulty or special manipulation. There are many snap fitdevices in the prior art that require a rim part to slide past a lipwhere the rim then snaps into an expanded area where the rim part issecured, as in a standard snap. The user must then overcome theresistance of the rim part to be compresses in order to remove the pieceto which the rim part is attached. For two part molds in polymer moldingoperation, the expanded part where the rim part must lodge may bedifficult to form in the female portion of the snap. The presentinventor has found using polymer surfaces for the friction fit male andfemale portions of the embodiment of FIGS. 67-69 that a piece with aninner diameter of about 3 millimeters or more can support a presentationplane by an extension where the supported weight is as much as 8 ouncesor more. The friction fit is achieved by forming a draft of from about2-10 degrees on both the male and female portions of the embodimentfriction fit surfaces where the bottom of the male piece has a slightlysmaller outline than the top opening of the female piece. The insertionof the male into the female piece causes the polymer surfaces to impressupon one another with surprisingly effective resulting resistance toremoval. The two pieces, although made of relatively smooth plasticssuch as polyolefins, polystyrene, or other such polymers with similarstructural and friction coefficient properties, stay friction fittedtogether. The effective contact thickness of the female piece has beenfound to be only 2-3 millimeters or more.

[0086]FIG. 67 is a bottom view of the male friction fit connection piece553 that inserts into the hole formed in the female piece 554 of FIG.68. Piece 553 has an effective inner diameter surface 555 and flutes 556that form an outer diameter. A preferred draft of the surface 555 andflutes 556 is about 3-7 degrees from the axis of the piece 553 normal tothe page. Extension 512 is secured in the section 514. Flutes 556 are apreferred method of preventing rotation of the piece 553 when it isinserted in the hole formed in support 560, which extends generally tostructure adapted to support the weight attached to extension 512(weight not shown). That hole preferably has substantially the samedraft as that of surface 555 and flutes 556. The top opening of the holeformed in support 560 is adapted with flute sections 557 to receive thefree end of the male part of piece 553 and has about the same inner andouter diameters such that insertion of piece 553 into piece 554 results,as in FIG. 69, resistance to such insertion resulting in a substantiallycircumferential engagement of surface 555 and flutes 556 with the insidesurfaces 558 and 559. It is well known that polymers in this embodimentfor friction fit contact are often used in contacting surfaces to reducefriction and to enhance slidability. In the present embodiment, it hasbeen found that such polymers will result a very secure friction fitconnection to support the extension supported presentation planes. Thepresent embodiments of the present friction fit connector allow low costmanufacture.

[0087] In an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 29, an alternateembodiment of the invention for angular support of a presentation planeis shown in FIGS. 70-73. With reference to FIG. 29, sections 154 and 155form a structure which moves freely past section 102 as it rotates abouthinge 104. FIG. 70 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of theangled plane support where the section 101 is extended to an enclosingstructure with sections 159 and 160, with an optional lip section 160.In the manner similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 29, the deviceof FIGS. 70-73 allows section 102 to rotate freely about hinge 104through the opening 162 formed by the sections 101,159 and 161.

[0088] The particular advantage of the device of FIGS. 70-73 is that theengagement means for ends 105A on plane 4 are also encompassed aboutthrough opening 162 in a fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 73.Thus, the fully closed device of FIG. 70 allows the user to obtain asubstantially flat back surface of the presentation plane, as may bepreferable for users of PDA's or other such devices where a non-snaggingback surface is desired. The relative dimensions of the embodiments thatcan be gotten from the disclosure of the present embodiments are adaptedto permit formation of the entire device in a single injection moldingoperation. Those relative dimensions are alternately adapted such thatthe ends 105A are substantially secured in the ledge pieces of sections107 in the fully closed position as in FIG. 73 so that the user maysimply by pulling plane 4 and sections 159 and/or 161 apart will drawends 105A into contact with the notched section 106 and thereby cause atemporary fixation of the device for angular support of the plane 4 andmaterials attached to it. Closed ends 163 of section 107 optionallyprevent the removal of ends 105A from the slots of section 107 insliding operation of the device.

[0089] In an alternate embodiment of the device of FIG. 70, the sideelevation of hinge 103 is raised as shown in FIG. 71 such that anextension from plane 4 supports hinge 103 at an elevation of about thatof the top of section 107 whereby a small overhang is formed between theextension from plane 104 and plane 104 as shown in FIG. 71. That smalloverhang allows the user to insert the plane 4 of FIG. 4 in a tabbedpicture frame without interference with tabs used to secure it into thepicture frame.

[0090]FIG. 71, 72 and 73 are respectively section FF views of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 70 shown in an extended open position, apresentation plane support position and a fully collapsed position.

[0091] The above design disclosures present the skilled person withconsiderable and wide ranges from which to choose appropriate obviousmodifications for the above examples. However, the objects of thepresent invention will still be obtained by the skilled person applyingsuch design disclosures in an appropriate manner.

I claim:
 1. A mechanism for maintaining angled alignment of apresentation plane with respect to a support plane comprising: (a) twolegs or plates rotationally aligned and hinged together at their firstends with a first hinge to form a first axis of rotation; (b) a secondend of a first leg, distal to the first hinge, similarly rotationallyaligned and hinged together by a second hinge to the backside of thepresentation plane or means for rigid attachment thereto form a secondaxis of rotation with respect to the presentation plane, whereby thefirst and second axes of rotation are parallel; and (c) the second endof the second leg and the backside of the presentation plane sharereleaseably securable means.
 2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein thesupport plane is adapted to rest on a substantially horizontal surface.3. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support plane is adapted to beaffixed to a substantially non-horizontal surface.
 4. The mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein a front side of the presentation plane bears an armadapted to support sheet material.
 5. The mechanism of claim 1 whereinreleasably securable means on the backside of the presentation planecomprise two parallel and spaced apart and opposing tracks.
 6. Themechanism of claim 5 wherein each of the tracks define opposingconcavities adapted to slidingly contain lug extensions of thereleaseably securable means of the second end of the second leg.
 7. Themechanism of claim 6 wherein the concavities are open at track ends andadapted to permit substantially simultaneous release of the lugextensions from the concavities.
 8. The mechanism of claim 7 whereinreleasably securable means on the backside of the presentation planefurther comprise means for opposing slidable movement of the lugextensions.
 9. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein releasably securablemeans comprises adhesive materials or hook and loop pieces mounted onopposite surfaces of the second end of the second leg and the backsideof the presentation plane.
 10. A system for support and presentationfrom a support surface of one or more visual displays comprising: (a)each visual display comprising a front surface presenting for viewing bya viewer of the front surface at least text or at least one graphicimage or shape; (b) one or more extensions supporting through one ormore connections at least one visual display from a support surface orother visual display; and (c) locating each visual display visibly apartfrom the support plane and other visual displays for viewing by a viewerof the front surface.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein at least oneextension is capable of being bent by finger pressure.
 12. The system ofclaim 11 wherein the extensions are a metal or polymer.
 13. The systemof claim 10 wherein the connections are adapted to be connected anddisconnected by a user.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein theconnections comprise a plug and receptor.
 15. The system of claim 13wherein the connections comprise adhesive means.
 16. The system of claim10 wherein there exists for the system at least on viewable angle forviewing by a viewer of the front surfaces where the outlines of thefront view of at least one visual display is entirely visually separatedfrom the outlines of the support surface.
 17. The system of claim 10wherein there exists for the system at least on viewable angle forviewing by a viewer of the front surfaces where the outlines of thefront view of at least one visual display is entirely visually separatedfrom the outlines of at least one other visual display.
 18. The systemof claim 17 wherein at least one front view of at least one visualdisplay is not in substantially the same plane as another front view ofanother visual display.